Imagine a place not far away, but a million miles from all the stresses of city living. A fully renovated, modern home among the gum trees with space for all the family, and only a couple of minutes from Cockatoo, a picturesque country town that is big enough for a supermarket, but small enough that the locals have time to stop and chat.

Is this a fantasy? Not at all! Less than 50km from central Melbourne, in the beautiful DandenongRanges, is Fernbrook. A stylish 4 bedroom modern home with full kitchen, l laundry and two and a half bathrooms. There is also a wood fireplace and, nestled at the bottom of a beautifully landscaped native garden, a burbling stream surrounded by giant tree ferns.

You will love spending time at Fernbrook. Whether it is having a barbecue on the tree-top deck overlooking the garden, kicking a football on one of the lawns or perhaps you prefer the firepit and conversation circle in the front garden. You can even wander down to the stream for a picnic under the pergola or dangle your toes in the water and look for fish from our bridge. There is something to discover around every corner at Fernbrook.

Kids and nature lovers will love Fernbrook. Kookaburras, rosellas, king parrots, cockatoos and honeyeaters are always around. And if you’re lucky, you may even spot Charlie, our resident wombat, or Spike, our local echidna.

But none of this means you have to rough it. Inside the house your every need is catered for, with 4 bedrooms, the master bedroom with full en suite, giant wardrobe with makeup vanity, wall mounted TV and luxurious King Size bed. The second bedroom also has a TV with a generous Queen Size bed, while the third and fourth bedrooms sleep 2 people each in bunk beds, and also have bean bags, kids’ books and games.

The kitchen with integrated breakfast bar is fully equipped with fridge, pantry, electric induction stovetop, oven, microwave, toaster, kettle and coffee maker, allowing you to whip up a storm if you want. If the outdoors is not for you, you can snuggle in front of the slow combustion wood fire, or take it easy on the couch in the lounge room (which rolls out to be an extra double bed). You can read one of the many supplied books, or settle in front of the large screen TV with Netflix and a huge selection of DVD’s. Behind you in the adjoining dining room, the dining table is big enough for everyone.

What about home made wood-fired pizzas, or hot bread rolls? The wood fire even doubles as a pizza or bakery oven. (Pizza stone is supplied, bring your own ingredients.)
To keep you supremely comfortable, the house also has ducted central heating. Along with the ensuite, the family bathroom with full size bath, double vanity and separate toilet can accommodate everyone’s needs. There is even a fully equipped laundry with washing machine, dryer, iron and ironing board.

And when you want to get out of the house, or just need provisions, Cockatoo is only a couple of minutes away, with its IGA Supermarket, bakery, cafes and friendly locals. The Avalon Castle reception centre is nearby, and the entire area abounds in beautiful forests and forest walks, including the acclaimed Wright Forest Bushland Reserve.

Cockatoo Country Market is the first Saturday of every month, and Mt Burnett Observatory is just down the road. And right through the middle of town runs Puffing Billy. If you listen at the right times, you can hear his cheery whistle from Fernbrook as he steams along between Gembrook and Emerald. Gembrook is just 6km from Cockatoo, with ‘The Local’ Gembrook Pub and acclaimed ‘The Independent’ Argentinian restaurant (highly recommended), Motorists Museum and Bunyip State Park.

Just 6km in the other direction lies Emerald, with its cafes, restaurants, award winning bakery, Emerald Lake Park and ‘Pick-Your-Own’ berry farms. And beyond that, of course, the entire Dandenong Ranges is there for you, with the famous townships of Belgrave, Sassafras and Olinda, celebrated gardens, quirky shops, stunning forests and beautiful drives.

So come and get away from it all at Fernbrook!

*’Snuggle Up’ Winter Spring Special! **FREE** firewood supplied for the duration of your stay for all winter and spring bookings!